What’s left in the LMS space? I see two primary companies: Desire2Learn and (based on momentum) Instructure. I’ve left out Moodle mainly because their deployments are smaller-scale. Desire2Learn. I’ve met John Baker (CEO) on several occasions and was a keynote at their annual conference in Memphis (disclaimer: Desire2Learn is a sponsor of the LAK11 and LAK12 conference) and have had numerous interactions with company over the past six years. Desire2Learn and Instructure don’t generate the confusion in end users that Bb does today. Microsoft).

And what is going on at Blackboard and Desire2Learn? Not to be outdone, Desire2Learn not only completely updated its platform to become a true social learning engine (including integration with Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn), but it also recently hired Dennis Kavelman as COO to complement visionary CEO John Baker. Everybody wants some. Cloud-based LMS with social features?

Here are some other build-your-own-MOOC platforms to consider: Desire2Learn , ProProfs Training Maker , P2PU , and Google Course Builder (still in beta testing). eLearning Featured Posts Learning & Development MOOC Training Alison Canvas network Desire2Learn ILT Instructor Led Training mooc Saylor Foundation When MOOC-mania hit first exploded, a general panic arose in higher education: Would MOOCs make colleges and universities obsolete? MOOCs will not kill higher education, but they will greatly impact how it is delivered. The same can be said for corporate training.

We’re using Desire2Learn as a platform, in addition to the gRSSHopper software (developed by Stephen Downes and used in our open courses since 2008). On Monday, Oct 8, we kick of the Current State/Future of Higher Education open online course. This course will run for six weeks, covering these topics. If you want to join, registration is open: [link

The talk below is one that I delivered to the Desire2Learn conference in Melbourne yesterday on the role of networks in knowledge creation, learning, innovation: Learning and Creating Knowledge in Social Networks from gsiemens Networks are the underlying structure for knowledge, learning, and society. We live in networks. We experience them daily. This familiarity results, at times, in overlooking the significant value that connections provide in understanding the world. When a company has a failed product launch, networks and connections can explain why. As can learning.

And what is going on at Blackboard and Desire2Learn? Not to be outdone, Desire2Learn not only completely updated its platform to become a true social learning engine (including integration with Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn), but it also recently hired Dennis Kavelman as COO to complement visionary CEO John Baker. My, how times have changed. Two Everybody wants some.

After their presentation, I mentioned that I was considering using Instructure for a MOOC in fall – future of education (starting Oct 8, sponsored by Gates Foundation and, now, Desire2Learn) – but wanted to know if they could do some customizing to incorporate Stephen Downes’ grsshopper model. It took me about two hours to setup and organize my first course in the platform. Instructure is a newcomer to the LMS market, but they have done fairly well winning contracts over the past year or so. I can see why: setting up a course, adding content, assessment, etc.
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huge thanks to our sponsors , including Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, EDUCAUSE, Desire2Learn, Kaplan Ventures, CEIT, and TEKRI A number of open courses will be offered early 2011 (CCK11, PLEs, Digital Storytelling). Which is great! and, my new maxim for open online courses is “never teach alone – grow network competence by co-teaching ). Adding to the mix, we’re (Jon Dron, Dave Cormier, Tanya Elias, and I) happy to announce an open course on Learning & Knowledge Analytics. If you’re interested, please join this group LAK11. As is registration.
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Examples include Carnegie Learning’s Cognitive Tutor, Desire2Learn’s Knowillage LeaP, Sherston Software’s PlanetSherston, and 30 or so more. (Guest post by James J. Goldsmith , Learning Architect/ Business Advisor at Accenture – Chicago, IL). The Year 2015 will bring many new opportunities for learning specialists to contribute to their profession. But, given such market forces as the convergence of new technologies, advances in neurobiology, changing learner demographics, and escalating client expectation (to name a few), it will also provide a number of new challenges.
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Sorry Desire2Learn and Blackboard. Back for another installment of the rankings. Please be aware that the rankings are on-going and as such subject to change month by month. The final rankings will be the top 25 LMSs of 2013, will be posted in December. Oh, here is my latest directory of LMSs. #10 – Meridian - Despite a web site that should be kicked into outer space (hello, update?), the system itself has a lot to offer. I see it as a platform that could easily be for 1,500 and up users, although it may sit better at 5,000+. So, why aren’t they higher? Pricing is high.
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find things in the help system, the syllabus, etc.) 10 questions -- (He uses Desire2Learn) – Why does instructor not go by Carl Graves? This weeks’ discussion on EdTechTalk Instructional Design Live was with John Graves, Montana State University-Bozeman on Engaging Learners (These are my live blogged notes…apologies for gaps and incoherencies :) ) John: When you don’t have f2f contact with a learner, it’s important to establish yourself (the instructor) as a person – with a family and a life. How do you foster that initial connection? Organized and visually pleasing. Rubrics?
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